Dingdong Dantes' scholar gifts him with happy news on his birthday: She graduated high school with First Honors

Dingdong Dantes’ scholar from Leyte, Janine Nielo, marked the Kapuso Primetime King’s birthday by gifting him with the news that she had graduated with First Honors.

The daughter of a farmer and a helper, Janine graduated at the top of her class, surpassing the promise she made to Dingdong when he granted her a scholarship in 2024.

In her graduation speech, Janine expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Dingdong for providing the financial support that allowed her to complete senior high school.

A portion of her speech was shared on Facebook by Saint Joseph High School’s 2024 Alumni Homecoming page.

“Your kindness has been a game changer for me,” the scholar said. “Thank you for everything.”

“You became the instrument of God to help me finish my high school journey,” she added, describing the experience of being Dingdong's scholar as "the most unexpected thing" that had happened in her life.

“I know words alone can’t express my gratitude but I’ll make it clear through my actions,” she said.

“I’ll work hard, make a difference, and pay it forward,” Janine said.

In 2024, Dingdong, who also serves as chairman of the YesPinoy Foundation, announced Janine's scholarship through a recorded video message during Saint Joseph High School's 68th Grand Alumni Homecoming.

“Sa ilalim ng inyong scholarship program, sinimulan ko na po sa pamamagitan ng pagsalo ng tuition ng isang SJHDI student,” he said in the video. “Siya po ay anak ng isang magsasaka mula sa isang barangay ng Dagami.”

(Under your scholarship program, I started by paying for the tuition of an SJHDI student. She is a child of a farmer from a Dagami barangay.)

The news of Janine's educational achievements came as Dingdong celebrated his 46th birthday on Sunday.

The Dantes family is currently in California to celebrate the birthdays of Dingdong and Marian Rivera this August.

Dingdong currently headlines the GMA Prime series The Master Cutter, which also stars Max Collins, Paolo Contis, Jo Berry, Charlie Fleming, and Anthony Constantino.

It airs weeknights on GMA Prime at 8 p.m. after “24 Oras.” It is also streaming on Netflix.

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA News